Farmers Eligible for 25% Tax Credit for Donations Made to Community Food Programs

As part of the Local Food Act, 2013, the provincial government has officially launched its new Community Food Program Donation Tax Credit, the first tax incentive of its kind in Canada.

Farmers and farm businesses that donate agricultural products (i.e. fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products) to eligible community food programs will now be eligible for a tax credit of 25 per cent of the fair market value of the donated product. The credit can be claimed for donations made on or after January 1, 2014. If you would like more information on what agricultural products and food programs are eligible, you can read the FAQ prepared by the Ministry of Finance or the final regulation.

In response to the launch of this new program, our friends over at Sustain Ontario are hosting a free webinar with OMAF Senior Policy Advsior, Ziyaad Vahed on October 23rd from 12:00pm-1:30pm. Ziyaad will speak about the new tax incentive program and will be joined by some Sustain Ontario members and allies who will engage in a thoughtful conversation about what kind of impact this new policy will have on Ontario’s food systems. Click here to register for the webinar.

OSCIA Food Safety Webinar Series to Kick Off Soon

If you are looking to keep up to do on the latest in food safety practices, including assessment of your operation to identify areas of high food safety risks, then you are invited to join any or all of the webinars listed below:

October 9: Pest Control, Building Maintenance and Visitors

October 16: Recall and Traceability

October 30: Cleaning and Sanitizing

November 13: Pre- and Post-Harvest Water

November 27: Soil Amendments

January 2015 (exact date TBD): Worker Practices

Each webinar will include fullsome discussions about on-farm food safety risks and the good agricultural practices (GAPs) that can be used to mitigate those risks. Growing Forward 2 funding opportunities are also discussed, including how to assess your operation and work towards a food safety action plan.

All workshops are offered as free webinars online, taken from the comfort of your home or business. All you need is an Internet connection and phone. If you are interested in participating, please visit the registration page.

Cash Prizes Available for On-Farm Tinkerers, Menders and Modifiers

Our friends over at Farm & Food Care Ontario have just announced an exciting new contest for all you on-farm MacGyvers out there!

FFC is launching the province-wide Farm Invention Challenge, with $9,000 in cash prizes available for winning entries in the categories of animal care and water efficiency and quality.

Farm & Food Care will profile winning entries as part of their commitment to doing the right thing in animal care and the environment. The Farm Invention Challenge will help share creative ideas and methods that farmers are using on their farms every day.